CopeMed II - ArtFiMed TD Nº18 - Report of the ... - Fao - Copemed

5. Controlled flow throughout the value chain.It was pointed out that small pelagics represent over 80% of the catches in theMoroccan exclusive economic zone. Concerning preservation measures for smallpelagic resources, the Moroccan representatives stressed the fact that the small pelagicsmanagement plan is a flagship project of the Halieutis Plan aimed at achievingsustainable fishery resource exploitation and maximizing stock recovery. The TotalAdmissible Catches (TAC) system, set each year, based on the observed biomass andfor each fishing area, was also explained (Summary in Appendix XIV).Discussion:• There was a debate on the TAC system and fishing quotas included in the HalieutisPlan. It was recalled that TAC is set according to observed biomass and is obtained bydirect methods (acoustic campaigns) by the INRH.• With regard to the evaluation of Mediterranean small pelagic stocks, INRH’scampaigns are not carried out regularly.• Adequacy of scientific studies (INRH) to set the TAC at a higher level than thecurrently established one (currently is annual) was discussed.• It was stressed that the management system raises the possibility of transferring quotasbetween vessels owners and/or intra-enterprise, with specific conditions.• The small pelagic fishery management system in Morocco should have a widerimplementation in the Mediterranean, so it could become a useful management andcollaboration tool with the Spanish system.6. Lessons learned, conclusions and recommendationsDespite not having enough time to discuss in depth the lessons to be learned from thedifferent monitoring and analysis systems for small pelagic resources in the AlboranSea and the national fishery management systems, CopeMed II undertook the synthesisand their distribution to the participants.Participants underlined the need for considering fisheries, and in particular the smallpelagic fisheries, an activity among various others carried out in the Alboran Sea ecoregion,so there is a need to enhance the ecosystem approach, recognizing the interestsof society in the marine ecosystems of the Alboran Sea and the need to reconcile theirlegitimate interests with those of the fishery.Participants stressed that the creation of the Working Group by CopeMed II representedan opportunity for the three countries, Algeria, Morocco and Spain, to exchange viewsand discuss common issues of interest related to small pelagic fishery management and,even more, to consider the relevance of introducing the ecosystem approach to fisherymanagement into their national legislation.All participants recognized the need for, and importance of, maintaining this forum onthe Alboran Sea small pelagic species, with the support of CopeMed II, the nationaladministrations and scientific institutions of the three countries. The organization of apermanent group in the framework of the ecosystem approach to fishery managementwas recommended; this will take place in 2011 with the support of CopeMed II iffunding is appropriate, and draft Terms of Reference for the first meeting were proposed(Appendix XV hereto).9